No.
The USA is in a transformative stage and is going up against too much talent and experience. It is making great strides under Jurgen Klinsmann and won’t
awed by the three strong teams it faces in group play, but its propensity for errors will be too costly to overcome.

Germany. It is due, after near-misses in the past two tournaments and has the players strong enough to withstand the fanatical crowds and tough opposition and marginal refereeing decisions. The
political and competitive pressure will be too much for Brazil; Spain and Argentina will play impressively but fall just short.

Who will be the World Cup MVP?

Though Argentina will fall just short of
the ultimate prize, Lionel Messi reaffirms his place as the best player in the world.

What will be the storyline
of the World Cup?

The spectacle in Brazil will be unmatched and an unprecedented six representatives give South American teams their best chance to compare themselves against the
rest of the world, but domestic issues and uncertainty regarding the next two World Cups just won’t go away.